Horrific wildlife shooting in NSW National Park

During the recent school holidays a horrified family were confronted by a group of hunters driving into a camping ground in a south east National Park randomly shooting kangaroos. In front of the distressed family camped in the remote but popular National Park they shot a number of kangaroos and loaded some onto a vehicle before driving off, leaving dead and maimed animals behind.

The shooting occurred as the NSW Parliament was introducing a controversial Bill allowing hunting in National Parks.

Since the media coverage that has followed the new Bill there have been a number of illegal shooting incidents in National Parks, leading to speculation that hunters are under the impression that it is now 'open season' in National Parks.

It's understood that the 'Firearms Prohibited' sign at the entrance to the campground had been run over and smashed, but all other signs were intact.

However, while the Bill has been passed it has yet to be enacted, and when it is enacted hunters will be required to apply for a specific licence and adhere to regulations overseen by Game Council NSW.

Two people found earlier this week bogged in the South East Forests National Park are being investigated regarding: carrying a firearm in a national park; driving off formal tracks in a national park; and damaging vegetation in a National Park.

There have been reports of wombats being shot in National Parks and stories of shooters targeting kangaroos and wallabies on remote properties adjoining National Parks.

The Public Service Association of NSW is compiling an audit of incidents from rangers and park staff across the state.

"Reports of an alleged kangaroo shooting in a national park in the state's South East is consistent with what we're hearing from our rangers about incidents where shooters are entering our parks under the impression they are now open for hunting," said Geo Papas from the PSA.

"We are concerned members of the public are jumping the gun and are creating a dangerous situation for rangers, other park users and wildlife.

"The State Government should come clean about whether there has been a spate of illegal shooting taking place in our national parks and what the Minister will do to stop it."

Responding to a number of questions from the ABC the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage today advised:

"Both incidents are under investigation by the NPWS.

"It is illegal to hunt in any national park.

"Shooting of native animals on national parks by members of the public is illegal and will remain so under the proposed program to allow licensed volunteer shooters to help remove feral pests from parks.

"Anyone harming native animals in parks risk heavy penalties.

"There is no evidence to suggest there has been a wave of incidents in national parks since the Bill passed through Parliament."

The Office of Environment and Heritage said they are currently developing a management program in consultation with the Game Council.

The PSA has directed its members not to assist with any activity involved with establishing recreational hunting in National Parks.

PSA General Secretary, John Cahill, said "Our park rangers should not have to work in fear for their own safety.

"Our members have expressed serious concerns about the danger to themselves and the community when shooting is allowed in bushland popular with walkers and picnickers."

Game Council NSW Chairman John Mumford said that the Council, which will be responsible for overseeing hunting in National Parks, has already established a successful system for hunting in State Forests.

"We have proven that this system works over six years, with strict licensing and accreditation, the Written Permission system, and a State-wide field network of Game Managers," said Mr Mumford.

Greens MLC David Shoebridge says that in answers provided to the Greens in Parliament, Game Council NSW confirmed that it employs only 4.2 full time equivalent staff to police the hunting in State Forests across the state and they will now have to police National Parks as well.

He claims that Game Council policing of hunting in forests and parks is clearly inadequate.

There has been widepsread criticism that the opening up of National Parks to hunting is part of a deal by the O'Farrell government to get Shooters and Fishers Party support for selling off the state's electricity generators.